12 Ways to Tackle Loneliness: Loneliness Awareness Week

Loneliness is challenging and impactful, but there are several ways to address it. Here are some suggestions, with particular acknowledgement to the work of Marmalade Trust who founded and lead the Loneliness Awareness Week campaign Marmalade Trust | Loneliness Charity | Based in Bristol, England:

1. Kindness:

Showing kindness to those around you can help alleviate loneliness. Volunteering for example is a great way to meet new people and feel part of a cause or community. Research shows that being kind to others increases our own levels of happiness as well as theirs. Organisations like Archway offer great opportunities for volunteers to change people’s lives.

2. Socialising a bit more:

Even small things like going to an art gallery, or making eye contact with a smile your neighbours may help you feel more anchored. Join clubs if you can. Be gentle with yourself as not all social contacts will be successful and perhaps value the effort rather than insisting on results. Socialising is frequently awkward for everyone-you are not alone! Organisations like Archway provide opportunities for safe, non-judgemental social contact.

3. Adopt a Pet!

Pets provide companionship and have been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness. Animals can be easier to engage with than humans.

4. Use Social Media wisely:

The rising level of loneliness has been linked by many to social media. We can get caught in a futile “comparison game” with others through being influenced by an often superficial representation of other people’s lives leading us to thinking they are so much better than our own. It can however be a way to join groups or like-minded communities, or can be a stepping stone to interacting with someone in real life. Using it in a balanced way may be a good way forward here.

5. Select carefully and cultivate lasting connections with others:

This follows on from the point above. Really getting to know people may be an antidote to what have been termed “shallow connections” and may be more rewarding.

6. Rediscover a Hobby:

Engage in activities you enjoy or trying out new activities, even solitary ones. Perhaps write poetry, knit, garden, go for a walk, play an instrument?

7. Reconnect by reaching out to old friends, colleagues or relatives:

If it feels safe to do so, taking the initiative allows us to take some responsibility for our own happiness and sense of connection.

8. Discover your purpose and passions:

Finding our passion and purpose can help us connect with others and ourselves on a more profound level. This is important in tackling existential loneliness.

9. Spend time outdoors or exploring public spaces:

Nature has been shown to improve wellbeing and reduce loneliness. If you can, this is a great way to look after yourself.

10. Seek help:

If loneliness persists, consider contacting organisations like Archway or ask for professional support. Speak to your GP especially if your loneliness is causing you to feel extremely or persistently low.

11. Become a bit more physically active: Exercising, even gently, can improve mood and reduce loneliness.

12. Being Kind to Yourself….always: This is the most important one for me. Practice self-compassion towards yourself. You belong and are important. And you are why Archway exists!